County of Sonoma Reminds Residents of Fireworks Ban

As Independence Day approaches, the County of Sonoma Fire Prevention division would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Sonoma County. “Our dry summer landscape creates a greater potential for fires caused by fireworks,” said Sonoma County Fire Marshal, Chief James Williams.

“It is essential that the Sonoma County community celebrate the Fourth of July safely this year which includes not utilizing fireworks as entertainment,” stated Chair Gorin, “we have been working hard to protect ourselves and neighbors in recent months and we must continue to be diligent now that fire season has arrived.” 

Every year, people are seriously injured, property is damaged, and the risk of fires increases due to the illegal use of fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 other fires. Additionally in 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks related injuries, 5,600 of which occurred between June 22 and July 22, 2018.

For more information on the County of Sonoma’s Fire Prevention work, please visit: sonomacounty.ca.gov/FirePrevention